[Judaica] Robertson, William. The First Gate, or the Outward Door to the Holy Tongue, Opened in English... (with) The Second Gate, or the Inner Door to the Holy Tongue...

London: Printed for Evan Tyler, for Humphrey Robinson...and for G. Sawbridge, (1654). Two works in one volume (bound with: The Second Gate, or the Inner Door to the Holy Tongue..., London: Evan Tyler, for Humphrey Robinson, [1655]). First editions:
presumed second issue of first work, with undated title-page and three unnumbered preliminary leaves at front, including additional dated title-page (A Gate or Door... London: Printed by J. Flesher, for Joseph Cranford, 1653). 16mo. (xx), 131, (1); (xxvi), 551 pp. Text printed in Roman and Hebrew type. Full contemporary brown calf, decorated in blind, rebacked, stamped in gilt, tips renewed; edges stained dark; old ownership signature "Richard Fogwell, 1799" on verso of front free endpaper; small chipping to edges of some prelims; scattered light soiling and browning to text; ink stain at center p. 5 in first part; text trimmed close, touching some page numbers, headlines, and catchwords. Wing 1611 and 1618

Scarce first edition of Scottish lexicographer William Robertson's Hebrew-English grammar, one of the earliest and most comprehensive Hebrew manuals printed in English and in England. "A pedagogical revolutionary with an egalitarian message and a passionate and parenthetical style, Robertson believed that Hebrew was not an esoteric language and that almost any man, given plain and careful instruction, could learn Hebrew even without the aid of a teacher so that he might perceive 'truth in its first fountain, and Primitive purity'...He sought to simplify instructional methods and to 'take quite out of the way, those obstructing Mountains of difficultie', stressing the importance of reducing Hebrew words to their roots, and teaching the language by alphabetical principles rather than by scriptural texts" (ODNB).

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Darren Winston

SVP, Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts, Philadelphia

[email protected]267.414.1247

Darren Winston, Senior Vice President at Freeman’s, has served as Head of Department for Books & Manuscripts, Philadelphia, since 2018. He has been a trustee of the Rosenbach Museum and Library since 2022, is a member of The Manuscript Society, The Bibliographical Society of America, and Philadelphia’s Philobiblon Club.

Raised in northern New Jersey, Darren moved to New York City in 1988 and began his career there as a bookseller in 1995. He spent the next 18 years selling to private clients and at East Coast book fairs. In 2003 he moved with his young family to Sharon, Connecticut where, in 2009, he opened his own bookshop. Darren Winston, Bookseller offered rare and vintage books, prints, fine art, and more, and hosted over 50 book signings and art shows. He was a trustee and, later, Board President, of the Sharon Historical Society, and for six years a trustee of Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, Connecticut.

Darren has hosted the radio program "Darren Winston's Book Report" for NPR-affiliate WHDD since 2009, appeared in the 2014 book-themed documentary The Paper Trail, and in 2024 he joined Antiques Roadshow as a books and manuscripts appraiser. From 1999 to 2005, Darren was the buyer and consultant to the Fine and Rare Books Department at Asprey, the British luxury goods company, at its New York headquarters. While there he spearheaded various in-store events including readings by Salman Rushdie and Dominick Dunne.

In 1993, Darren was hired as a Creative Consultant to Columbia Records, where he assisted in the repackaging of their 12-record Aerosmith back catalogue. He later sold his extensive collection of Aerosmith memorabilia, which he began amassing at the age of 14, directly to the band.

Darren now lives on the Main Line, outside Philadelphia, with his wife, two children, and dog. The family travels frequently to his wife's native England and Scotland. When not bookselling, he plays guitar in Pumped, an Aerosmith tribute band. Darren also appears on the top-rated PBS television program Antiques Roadshow.

We are open for pick-up Monday-Friday: 9am-4:30pm.

For questions about shipping or packing, please contact [email protected] or see our Shipping/Packing page.

[Judaica] Robertson, William. The First Gate, or the Outward Door to the Holy Tongue, Opened in English... (with) The Second Gate, or the Inner Door to the Holy Tongue...

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Books and Manuscripts

[Judaica] Robertson, William. The First Gate, or the Outward Door to the Holy Tongue, Opened in English... (with) The Second Gate, or the Inner Door to the Holy Tongue...

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup